Skin - Chapter 87

Chapter 87 – Meng Zhao’s Three Elders

　　The next morning, Meng Zhao and Lu Shichen set out for the high-speed rail station. Before leaving, they went to the Municipal Bureau to meet with Captain Zhao.

　　Captain Zhao walked out of the Municipal Bureau building and waved to them from a distance. When he got closer, he looked at Meng Zhao and said, “Xiao Meng, you look like you’ve recovered well. Are you going back to work?”

　　”The notice hasn’t come down yet,” Meng Zhao said with a smile, “I’ll go back and wait for orders.”

　　”It’s just a matter of two days. Public opinion is so overwhelming. It’s impossible for the authorities to go against the people. I also watched the program last night. Professor Zhou said it very well. When he gave lectures at our OUHK before, the lectures were always packed.”

　　”Yes,” Meng Zhao nodded, and then said, “Brother, I’m grateful to you and Director Li for allowing me to participate in this rescue operation, and for mobilizing the entire city’s police force to cooperate with me and Consultant Lu’s plan. I also want to ask, has there been any progress in the recent search and arrest?”

　　”All traffic checkpoints are under strict guard. No suspicious situations have been found so far. The two killers are still injured. I think they are hiding now and dare not come out easily. We have issued a wanted order. I will notify you immediately if there is any progress.”

　　”Okay, then the police departments of our two places will cooperate with each other and strive to solve the case as soon as possible.” After Meng Zhao finished speaking, he stood at attention and saluted Captain Zhao.

　　Captain Zhao also raised his hand to salute him: “Sure.”

•|•

　　The high-speed train sped towards Yancheng. Meng Zhao turned his head to the window, looking at the mountainous Yancheng.

　　When passing through the tunnel again, the light ahead dimmed, the noise in his ears weakened, and Meng Zhao sighed almost inaudibly.

　　Lu Shichen glanced at him and asked, “What’s wrong?”

　　”Although the Yancheng Public Security Bureau has issued a wanted order, it is too difficult to catch the two killers. Yancheng is mountainous, which provides a natural opportunity for criminals to hide and escape. If, as we speculated before, the two killers will personally deliver the things to Wu Jiayi, then we must find a way to monitor Wu Jiayi as soon as possible.”

　　Lu Shichen continued to look through the information in his hand: “You haven’t even resumed your job yet, but you’re already thinking about the case.”

　　”Yeah…” Meng Zhao leaned back in his chair, “Why do I feel like you don’t really want me to be reinstated?”

　　”You just recovered from your injury and haven’t had a good rest yet.”

　　”Are you afraid that I’ll be in danger again?” Meng Zhao turned his head to look at him, “Consultant Lu, are you worried about me now? When we were searching the Dark Cage Base, I asked Zhou Qiyang to watch you in the car. How come you never listened to me once?”

　　Lu Shichen didn’t respond and pretended not to hear.

　　•|•

　　At two o’clock in the afternoon, the high-speed train arrived at the station.

　　The two first went back to Meng Zhao’s place to drive the car, and then went to Meng Ruoshu’s place to pick up Lu Xiaodao.

　　Standing at the door of Meng Ruoshu’s residence, Meng Zhao raised his hand and pressed the doorbell. There were footsteps in the house, but it didn’t seem to be coming towards the door. Meng Ruoshu’s voice was faintly heard outside the door: “Oh, it’s okay, it’s my brother, he’s here to take Mr. Lu home.” She should be talking to Lin Lang.

　　After a while, footsteps sounded again, this time getting closer and closer to the door.

　　The door opened, and Meng Ruoshu stretched her neck out with messy hair: “Brother, you are here?” As she spoke, she saw Lu Shichen standing next to Meng Zhao and was slightly startled, “Brother Shichen is here too? You guys come in first.”

　　Meng Zhao and Lu Shichen entered the room and sat down on the sofa. Lu Xiaodao then ran towards Lu Shichen on all fours.

　　Meng Ruoshu quickly pulled Lin Lang to the next room: “You guys sit wherever you want, wait for me for two minutes!”

　　”They want to put on makeup.” Meng Zhao explained to Lu Shichen as usual.

　　Listening to the conversation and busy sounds of two girls coming from the next room, Meng Zhao thought of Meng Ruoshu who was on the show last night.

　　From last night till now, he has been feeling somewhat guilty because, on impulse, he had asked his sister to speak for him in public. This is not an easy thing for anyone to do, to reveal scars and expose one’s darkest secrets.

　　Two minutes later, Meng Ruoshu pushed the door open and came out. She had tied her hair up and quickly put on some light makeup. She always puts on makeup when meeting strangers. This was Meng Ruoshu’s unshakable principle.

　　Meng Zhao stood up and waved to Meng Ruoshu: “Xiaoshu, come with me to the study.”

　　The two walked to the study, Meng Zhao closed the door and looked at Meng Ruoshu: “Does your father know about the show last night?”

　　”Yes, I told him in advance and he agreed to let me go.”

　　Meng Zhao was silent for a while. Just as he was about to speak, Meng Ruoshu spoke first: “Brother, don’t worry about me… I’m an adult and I know what I’m doing.”

　　Meng Zhao looked at her and sighed very lightly: “Xiao Shu, there are all kinds of people on the Internet. From now on, the kindness of the vast majority has overwhelmed the malice of a small number, but as this storm slowly passes, that sporadic malice is likely to be revealed. There are always some despicable people who think they have grasped your weaknesses and use your wounds to attack you and hurt you. You have to be prepared to ignore them.”

　　”I know,” Meng Ruoshu said, “I am now a big V blogger with 3 million fans. I am not afraid of them. Brother, you should not be afraid either. My fans and I are your strong backers and will fight for you.”

　　Meng Zhao laughed and raised his hand to touch Meng Ruoshu’s head.

　　”By the way, my dad asked me to ask you, are you coming back for dinner today?”

　　”I have arranged for dinner with Professor Zhou tonight, so let’s wait for another day. I’ll call him later.”

　　”Yeah,” Meng Ruoshu nodded. Seeing Meng Zhao about to turn around and leave the room, she grabbed Meng Zhao’s arm and said, “Brother…”

　　”What’s wrong?” Meng Zhao paused, “Is there anything else?”

　　”Brother Shichen,” Meng Ruoshu raised her chin towards the living room, “Why is he always with you?”

　　Meng Zhao suddenly felt guilty, but he still acted naturally: “…He is my consultant, so of course he has to act in accordance with me. Besides, he just came back from abroad not long ago and doesn’t have many other friends.”

　　”Then he doesn’t have a girlfriend either, right?” Meng Ruoshu lowered her voice, “Brother, do you think I have a chance?”

　　Meng Zhao: “…” So it’s not that Meng Ruoshu saw something, but that Meng Ruoshu is interested in Lu Shichen?

　　“This person is not good.”

　　”What’s wrong? He’s so handsome… I like handsome guys.”

　　”You can’t just look at a man’s face. This guy is a scumbag,” Meng Zhao said seriously, “He is not suitable for a young girl like you who is not very experienced in the world.”

　　”Is that so…” Meng Ruoshu nodded thoughtfully.

　　The “scumbag” Lu Shichen was half-squatting on the ground teasing Lu Xiaodao. When he saw Meng Zhao pushing the door out, he stood up.

　　Meng Zhao bent down and touched Lu Xiaodao’s head, put a leash on him, and said to Lu Shichen, “Let’s go.”

　　”Do you want to take the toys I bought for Mr. Lu?” Meng Ruoshu asked.

　　”No need,” Meng Zhao stood up, “Maybe we will send it back in a few days, so just let them be with you.”

　　Lu Shichen looked at Meng Ruoshu at this time and said, “It’s Lu Xiaodao.”

　　”Ah?” Meng Ruoshu was stunned.

　　”The dog’s name.”

　　”Oh…” Meng Ruoshu repeated, “Lu Xiaodao.”

　　”Um.”

　　Perhaps hearing that the two were leaving, Lin Lang came out of the house, stood at the door of the inner room, and greeted the two people softly: “Officer Meng, Consultant Lu.”

　　Meng Zhao smiled at her: “How are you doing recently?”

　　Lin Lang nodded: “Good.”

　　Meng Ruoshu walked over and pulled her over: “Brother, it was Sister Lang who did my makeup for the show yesterday. How was it? Did it look good? Was it dignified and generous?”

　　”It looked good.” Meng Zhao said with a smile.

　　A smile appeared on Lin Lang’s face.

　　Meng Zhao and Lu Shichen pushed the door open and walked out. As soon as the door closed, Meng Ruoshu put her hand on Lin Lang’s shoulder and started gossiping: “I knew it, they must be a couple.”

　　Lin Lang turned to look at her, surprised: “Really?”

　　”I just tested my brother and told him that I like Brother Shichen. Look how nervous he was… Also, didn’t you hear that that dog’s name is Lu Xiaodao? Lu Xiaodao, Brother Shichen’s last name, my brother’s first name, etc…” Meng Ruoshu’s expression gradually became a little strange, and she murmured, “No way…”

　　”What’s wrong?” Lin Lang asked curiously.

　　”It’s okay, it’s okay.” Meng Ruoshu came back to her senses and immediately shook her head.

　　•|•

　　Dinner with Zhou Mingsheng was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at a restaurant located near the Mingtan Municipal Bureau.

　　Meng Zhao and Lu Shichen arrived at the restaurant ten minutes early, found the room according to the number, opened the door, and when they saw the three people sitting in the room, they were filled with surprise and joy.

　　The person sitting opposite the door was Zhou Mingsheng, with Director Xu and Lu Chengze sitting on either side. Although he had expected the “two elders” mentioned by Professor Zhou before coming, he was still very surprised when his guess was verified. These two elders who had been kind to him were not Wu Jiayi’s accomplices, but had always stood by him. He no longer had to doubt the person he least wanted to doubt. This was undoubtedly the best news.

　　”Come, come, come,” Zhou Mingsheng waved at the two of them, “Come and sit down.”

　　”Teacher Zhou, Director Xu, Uncle Lu.” Meng Zhao greeted them one by one and pulled Lu Shichen to sit down.

　　Seeing that everyone had arrived, the waiter came over and asked: “Would you like some drinks?”

　　Zhou Mingsheng looked at the others at the table and said, “My health is not good. Chengze hasn’t drunk alcohol in recent years. Let’s drink tea instead of wine.”

　　”Teacher Zhou has helped me so much, I should drink this wine, otherwise it would seem that my gratitude is too meaningless.” After Meng Zhao said this, he asked the waiter to bring a bottle of wine.

　　Zhou Mingsheng smiled and said, “Xiao Meng, I have to make it clear in advance that I am helping you not because of our personal relationship. I have been following the case of Dark Cage, and what these beasts did is simply unjust. In this matter, no matter who is involved, I will naturally help. Moreover, I am not the only one who contributed to this matter. If Director Xu and Cheng Ze had not come to me for help, I would not have known about this matter in the first place, and I would not have been able to help you save this public opinion war in such a timely manner.”

　　Meng Zhao picked up the wine bottle, filled the glass in front of him with wine, stood up and said, “Then I will toast to the three elders. You three have helped me when I was most desperate, and you have stepped forward again when I was in the most difficult time. I will never forget this kindness in my life.”

　　After he finished speaking, he turned to Zhou Mingsheng, picked up the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, then toasted Lu Chengze with another glass of wine.

　　When it was Director Xu’s turn, Director Xu pressed his palms down twice and motioned him to sit down: “Forget it, I knew exactly what you were thinking. Tell me the truth, have you ever suspected that I am in cahoots with Wu Jiayi?”

　　Meng Zhao laughed twice and said nothing.

　　Director Xu pointed at him with his finger in the air: “Immediately after the incident, you were suspended from your post. You must be very dissatisfied, right? Your little thing is written all over your face. However, there was no better way at the time. After the incident was exposed, I contacted the higher authorities immediately before the press conference ended. The attitude of the higher authorities was not very good. They said that the rest of our Mingtan Public Security Bureau were useless to let a tainted person be the head of the special task force. If this matter is caught by someone, it will have a great impact on the credibility of the public security and you personally.

　　After a pause, Director Xu continued, “Besides, I know your temper. If I don’t take tough measures right away, you might cause me some new trouble. I asked you not to continue to participate in the Dark Cage incident and cut off your contact with Cheng Yun, Zhou Qiyang and others so that you would not be able to give them any handles and prevent the pressure from public opinion from becoming greater. Otherwise, this war of public opinion will only become more difficult to fight.”

　　”You should have told me at that time.” Meng Zhao was a little unhappy.

　　”Telling you this is equivalent to telling you openly that I am your backer. Can you still control yourself from interfering in the case? Public opinion can only be resolved by public opinion. Asking Professor Zhou Mingsheng to come out is undoubtedly the best choice. This time, it is also thanks to Lawyer Lu’s matchmaking that things can go so smoothly. This program was planned by Lawyer Lu using his connections, and it was also Lawyer Lu’s idea to propose asking Professor Zhou to come out. I contributed the least in the middle, so you should mainly thank the two of them.

　　Meng Zhao thanked Zhou Mingsheng and Lu Chengze again: “Thank you, Mr. Zhou, thank you, Uncle Lu.”

　　Director Xu then asked, “In addition to thanking Professor Zhou and Lawyer Lu, do you want to thank someone else?”

　　There were only five people in the room. Director Xu’s words had a hint of meaning. Meng Zhao turned his head and glanced at Lu Shichen.

　　”Yes, that’s Xiao Lu.” Director Xu said, “The incident in Yancheng was very serious. If it weren’t for Consultant Lu, it’s unknown whether you could come back alive.”

　　”This is a toast,” Zhou Mingsheng also said, “Xiao Meng, if Xiao Lu hadn’t come to me to help your uncle overturn the case, it would be unknown whether you could become a police officer.”

　　Meng Zhao smiled, picked up the bottle and filled himself a glass of wine: “It’s time to toast.” After saying that, he picked up the glass and turned to face Lu Shichen.

　　Their eyes met, Meng Zhao smiled and raised his glass: “This is for you.”

　　Lu Shichen looked at him and asked, “What are you toasting me for?”

　　Meng Zhao lowered his eyes and thought for a moment, then looked into his eyes again: “Cheers to you… for changing the trajectory of my destiny.”

　　After he finished speaking, he picked up the wine glass, his Adam’s apple rolled, and he drank the wine in the glass in one breath.

　　After Meng Zhao put down the cup, Director Xu shook his head and continued, “I should have been more decisive. I shouldn’t have let you get involved in the case in Yancheng. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have almost lost your life.”

　　”Sure enough,” Meng Zhao looked at Director Xu, “You were the one who was talking to Director Li at that time, right?”

　　”Director Li is also a good policeman who values friendship and justice,” Director Xu sighed. “After communicating with me, he let you participate in the case without saying anything. He did this at the risk of being punished by his superiors. Compared with those bureaucrats who only know how to speak in official language, Director Li is indeed a man of steel and responsibility.”

　　After hearing Director Xu mention the incident in Yancheng, Meng Zhao thought for a moment and asked, “Did you also notice something fishy about my mother’s death?”

　　”I also investigated your mother’s case privately back then,” Director Xu nodded. “Since the year Meng Jing was murdered, it has been about four or five years. I was investigating privately intermittently, but I did not find any people or clues related to Zhang Linqing. If I told you this based on just a little guess, with your temper, you might have just investigated Meng Jing’s case at all costs and done some futile work. I was afraid that you would fall into it, so I didn’t tell you about this.”

　　After a pause, Director Xu continued, “But I didn’t expect that evidence that didn’t exist 20 years ago would appear today. If it weren’t for Lin Mai’s conscience in recent years and taking care of Zhang Linqing’s mother, the truth about Meng Jing’s murder might have been completely buried. We must seize the opportunity this time to catch Wu Jiayi and bring him to justice. I have also arranged personnel to closely monitor Wu Jiayi in the past few days. Tomorrow, you will go with me to meet Wu Jiayi. It can be regarded as a formal declaration of war with him, so that he will know what the law of nature is, and let him know that the police are not so easy to mess with.”

　　”Okay.” Meng Zhao responded.

　　At this time, Lu Chengze sighed and shook his head and said, “Speaking of Meng Jing’s death, now I know that this incident was not accidental. This matter is also my fault. If I hadn’t asked her to help investigate the Yancheng case, I wouldn’t have involved her.”

　　”Uncle Lu, please don’t blame yourself.” Meng Zhao looked at Lu Chengze, “I know what kind of person my mother is, and I believe she will not regret helping you. If even the police give up on finding the truth, then neither my mother nor I dare to imagine what this society will become. In the final analysis, it was Wu Jiayi who was behind this incident. What we need to do now is to completely eradicate the root of Wu Jiayi’s evil.”

　　”Yeah.” Lu Chengze nodded slightly. “If you need help in the future, just ask.”

　　After hesitating for a moment, Meng Zhao asked another question: “Uncle Lu, my mother’s death was due to Wu Jiayi’s revenge. This matter has been basically confirmed. I suddenly thought… the car accident that your family encountered at that time, could it be a criminal act planned by Wu Jiayi out of revenge?

　　Lu Chengze fell silent, as if lost in thought. After a moment, he spoke: “From what I saw at the time, I really didn’t notice anything suspicious. That day, I was indeed driving while being in a state of fatigue. But your suspicion, it’s not impossible. No one would have thought that Wu Jiayi would have such a powerful force behind him, but it’s been nearly 20 years. The evidence…” Lu Chengze sighed and paused. He looked at Director Xu and Meng Zhao, “We must catch Wu Jiayi and get the truth out of him. Please, both of you.”

　　Meng Zhao said firmly, “I will definitely catch Wu Jiayi, not only because of my mother’s death and the dark cage incident, but also because Lu Shichen risked his life for me several times… I have always felt sorry for you. Shichen is your only relative, and I shouldn’t let him be in danger. Uncle Lu, don’t worry, I promise to do my best to ensure Shichen’s safety, even if it costs me my life.”

　　After they finished talking about important things, the dishes on the table were all served. Zhou Mingsheng picked up the chopsticks and said, “We’ve been busy talking, and the dishes are getting cold. Let’s eat as we talk.”

　　The other people at the table also picked up their chopsticks and started eating, but it was clear that no one had much appetite.

　　Perhaps it was the car accident that Lu Chengze’s family had just mentioned that reminded Zhou Mingsheng of his deceased student. After a moment, he stopped eating and looked at Lu Chengze and said, “Chengze, you just mentioned Shi Xin again. You must feel bad.” He sighed and said, “It’s such a pity for Shi Xin. The accident was a huge blow to you and your son. I didn’t expect that your temperaments had changed. You were so lively when you were in college, and Shi Chen was a child… Now, I hardly see you smile. I think you have made Xiao Lu into such a gloomy person.”

　　After he finished speaking, the father and son opposite him remained silent. Zhou Mingsheng continued, “I also know that Xiao Lu has been staying abroad for many years and has not come back for a long time… But you are each other’s only relative now. When you reach my age, you will know that the company of your relatives is the most important. As an elder, I would like to say something inappropriate here. I hope that you and your son can spend more time with each other in the future.”

　　After he finished speaking, seeing that the atmosphere at the dinner table had become somewhat heavy due to his words, Zhou Mingsheng looked at Meng Zhao again and said half-jokingly, “Xiao Meng, you should stop asking Xiao Lu to solve cases with you every day. Let Xiao Lu spend more time with his dad.”

　　After a pause, Lu Chengze said to Zhou Mingsheng: “Well, I will follow the teacher’s instructions.”

　　Lu Shichen said nothing.

　　After the meal, several people walked out of the restaurant.

　　Lu Chengze called Lu Shichen over. Seeing that the father and son had something to say, Meng Zhao quickened his pace and walked to Director Xu’s side.

　　Director Xu was taking out his phone to check the messages he had received. Seeing Meng Zhao approaching, he raised his hand and patted Meng Zhao on the shoulder. “Just in time, come over. I just received the news that you have been reinstated. Go back and prepare. Cheer up and follow me to challenge him tomorrow.”

　　”Yes, leader.” Meng Zhao responded.

　　A few steps behind him, Lu Chengze walked forward and said to Lu Shichen, “You just recovered from your last injury, and this time you encountered this kind of thing again in Yancheng. It just so happened that I met Director Liu a few days ago, and he asked you to go to the hospital for a follow-up examination when you have time. I will go with you tomorrow morning.”

　　Lu Shichen hesitated for a moment and said, “Ok.”

　　After seeing off the three seniors, Meng Zhao and Lu Shichen got in the car.

　　Meng Zhao drank, so Lu Shichen drove the car.

　　Meng Zhao fastened his seat belt, leaned back in his seat, raised his hand and pinched his brow. Lu Shichen looked at him: “Are you drunk?”

　　”Not drunk… Do you think I have a poor alcohol tolerance like you? I’m just a little dizzy…” Meng Zhao said with his eyes closed.

　　Lu Shichen drove the car onto the road. A few minutes later, the car stopped and he said, “We’re here.”

　　”So fast…” Meng Zhao opened his eyes and saw the car parked at the parking lot of Yuhu Bay, “…going to your house?”

　　”Well, aren’t you going to resume your job tomorrow? Yuhu Bay is closer to the Municipal Bureau, so it will be convenient for you to go to work.” Lu Shichen said, pushing the door and getting out of the car.

　　Meng Zhao sat in his seat, and after a few seconds, he also got out of the car.